Exercise system and method

ABSTRACT

A method for providing cycling classes to remote users comprising providing information about available cycling classes that can be accessed via a digital communication network by a user at a remote location for display at the remote location, receiving from the user a selection of one of the available cycling classes for display at the remote location, and sending digital video and audio content comprising the selected cycling class from a server to a computer associated with a stationary bike at the remote location for display to the user on a display screen associated with the stationary bike. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital and audio content sent to the computer associated with the stationary bike is streamed for display to the user in substantially in real-time. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital and audio content sent to the computer associated with the stationary bike is archived content provided from a database.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/677,985 filed on Jul. 31, 2012, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/798,342 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, both of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if set forthherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of exercise equipment andmethods. In particular, the invention relates to a system and method forproviding streaming and on-demand exercise classes.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Humans are competitive by nature, striving to improve their performanceboth as compared to their own prior efforts and as compared to others.Humans are also drawn to games and other diversions, such that eventasks that a person may find difficult or annoying can become appealingif different gaming elements are introduced. Existing home and gym-basedexercise systems and methods frequently lack key features that allowparticipants to compete with each other and that gamify exerciseactivities.

While some existing exercise equipment incorporates diversions such asvideo display screens that present content or performance data to theuser while they exercise, these systems lack the ability to truly engagethe user in a competitive or gaming scenario that improves both theuser's experience and performance.

To improve the experience and provide a more engaging environment, gymsoffer classes such as cycling classes where the instructor andparticipants exercise on stationary bikes accompanied by music. Theinstructor and music combine to motivate participants to work harder andmaintain better pedal cadence or tempo. More recently, boutique cyclingstudios have taken the cycling class concept to dedicated spaces tocreate even more powerful class experiences.

All of these class-based experiences, however, are accessible only atspecific times and locations. As a result, they are unavailable to manypotential users, generally are very expensive, and often sell-out sothat even users in a location convenient to the cycling studio cannotreserve a class. The present invention addresses these problems,providing a stationary bike that incorporates multimedia inputs andoutputs for live streaming or archived instructional content, sociallynetworked audio and video chat, networked performance metrics andcompetition capabilities, along with a range of gamification features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method for providing cycling classes to remote users comprisingproviding information about available cycling classes that can beaccessed via a digital communication network by a user at a remotelocation for display at the remote location, receiving from the user aselection of one of the available cycling classes for display at theremote location, and sending digital video and audio content comprisingthe selected cycling class from a server to a computer associated with astationary bike at the remote location for display to the user on adisplay screen associated with the stationary bike. In various exemplaryembodiments, the digital and audio content sent to the computerassociated with the stationary bike is streamed for display to the userin substantially in real-time. In various exemplary embodiments, thedigital and audio content sent to the computer associated with thestationary bike is archived content provided from a database.

In various exemplary embodiments the method further comprises receivingfrom the computer associated with the stationary bike at the remotelocation performance data for the user in substantially real-time, anddistributing at least some of the performance data to other usersaccessing the same digital video and audio content comprising theselected cycling class.

In various exemplary embodiments the method further comprisesdistributing performance data received from other users accessing thesame digital video and audio content comprising the selected cyclingclass to the computer associated with the stationary bike at the remotelocation. In various exemplary embodiments, displaying the performancedata received from other users together with performance data from theuser at the remote location on the display screen associated with thestationary bike in various forms, including in the form of an updatingleaderboard.

In various exemplary embodiments, displaying the digital video and audiocontent comprising the selected cycling class on a display screenassociated with the stationary bike, including via a user interface. Invarious exemplary embodiments, displaying the remote user's performancedata in secondary windows via the user interface, including pedalcadence, power output, and/or heartrate.

In various exemplary embodiments, further comprising sending video chatdata from a server to the computer associated with the stationary bikeat the remote location for display to the user on the display screenassociated with the stationary bike.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of astationary bike as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of astationary bike as disclosed herein with a rider shown.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a stationary bike asdisclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of astationary bike as disclosed herein with a rider shown.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a user interfacehome screen as disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a user interfacescreen providing a cycling class schedule as disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a user interfacescreen displaying cycling classes available on demand as disclosedherein.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a user interfacescreen displaying a live or on-demand cycling class underway.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a user interfacescreen displaying a live or on-demand cycling class underway.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a userinterface screen displaying a live or on-demand cycling class underwaywith a live video chat open in a secondary window and the leaderboardscrolling.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a userinterface screen displaying user performance and other information.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a userinterface screen displaying user performance and other information.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a web pagedisplaying user information as disclosed herein.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a web pagedisplaying user information as disclosed herein.

FIG. 15 is a schematic showing an exemplary embodiment of the data flowfor content creation and distribution.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a basic networkarchitecture as disclosed herein.

FIG. 17 is an chart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method forsynchronizing data among different users participating in the same liveor on-demand cycling class.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation,specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understandingof the present invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments orapplications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to theembodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, andgeneral principles defined herein may be applied to other embodimentsand applications without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited tothe embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

In various embodiments, the present invention comprises networkedexercise systems and methods whereby one or more stationary exercisebicycles, referred to generally herein as stationary bikes, are equippedwith an associated local system that allows the user to fullyparticipate in live instructor-led or recorded cycling classes from anylocation that can access a suitable communications network. Thenetworked exercise systems and methods may include backend systems withequipment including without limitation servers, digital storage systems,and other hardware as well as software to manage all processing,communications, database, and other functions. The networked exercisesystems and methods may also include one or more studio or otherrecording locations with cameras, microphones, and audio and/or visualoutputs where an instructor can lead cycling classes and in someembodiments where live cycling classes can be conducted, and where suchclasses can be distributed via the communications network. In variousembodiments there may be a plurality of recording locations that caninteract with each other and/or with any number of individual users.

In various embodiments, the invention provides for full interactivity inall directions. Whether remote or in the same location, instructors caninteract with users, users can interact with instructors, and users caninteract with other users. Through the disclosed networked exercisesystem, instructors can solicit feedback from users, and users canprovide feedback to the instructor, vote on different choices oroptions, and communicate regarding their experience. The presentinvention allows for interaction through all media, including one ormore video channels, audio including voice and/or music, and dataincluding a complete range of performance data, vital statistics, chat,voice, and text-based and other communications.

In various embodiments, the invention also allows an unlimited number ofremote users to view the same live or recorded content simultaneously,and interact with some or all of the other user viewing same content.Remote users can participate in live cycling classes offered from anyrecording location, or they can access recorded classes archived in thesystem database. In various embodiments, a plurality of remote users cansimultaneously access the same recorded class and interact with eachother in real time, or they can access the same recorded class atdifferent times and share data and communications about theirperformance or other topics.

Thus, it can be seen that the present invention encompasses networkedexercise systems and methods that provide for content creation, contentmanagement and distribution, and content consumption. Various aspects ofthe invention and the potential interactions among such differentaspects of the invention will now be described in more detail.

Stationary Bike

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-4, in various exemplary embodiments ofthe invention, a local system 100 comprises a stationary bike 102 withintegrated or connected digital hardware including at least one displayscreen 104.

In various exemplary embodiments, the stationary bike 102 may comprise aframe 106, a handlebar post 108 to support the handlebars 110, a seatpost 112 to support the seat 114, a rear support 116 and a front support118. Pedals 120 are used to drive a flywheel 122 via a belt, chain, orother drive mechanism. The flywheel 122 may be a heavy metal disc orother appropriate mechanism. In various exemplary embodiments, the forceon the pedals necessary to spin the flywheel 122 can be adjusted using aresistance adjustment knob 124. The resistance adjustment knob maydirectly or indirectly control a device that increases or decreases theresistance of the flywheel to rotation. For example, rotating theresistance adjustment knob clockwise may cause a set of magnets 126 tomove relative to the flywheel, increasing its resistance to rotation andincreasing the force that the user must apply to the pedals to make theflywheel spin.

The stationary bike 102 may also include various features that allow foradjustment of the position of the seat 114, handlebars 110, etc. Invarious exemplary embodiments, a display screen 104 may be mounted infront of the user forward of the handlebars. Such display screen mayinclude a hinge 128 or other mechanism to allow for adjustment of theposition or orientation of the display screen relative to the rider.

The digital hardware associated with the stationary bike 102 may beconnected to or integrated with the stationary bike 102, or it may belocated remotely and wirelessly connected to the stationary bike. Thedisplay screen 104 may be attached to the stationary bike or it may bemounted separately, but should be positioned to be in the line of sightof a person using the stationary bike. The digital hardware may includedigital storage, processing, and communications hardware, software,and/or one or more media input/output devices such as display screens,cameras, microphones, keyboards, touchscreens, headsets, and/or audiospeakers. In various exemplary embodiments these components may beintegrated with the stationary bike. All communications between andamong such components may be multichannel, multi-directional, andwireless or wired, using any appropriate protocol or technology. Invarious exemplary embodiments, the system may include associated mobileand web-based application programs that provide access to account,performance, and other relevant information to users from local orremote personal computers, laptops, mobile devices, or any other digitaldevice.

In various exemplary embodiments, the stationary bike 102 may beequipped with various sensors that can measure a range of performancemetrics from both the stationary bike and the rider, instantaneouslyand/or over time. For example, the stationary bike may include powermeasurement sensors such as magnetic resistance power measurementsensors or an eddy current power monitoring system that providescontinuous power measurement during use. The stationary bike may alsoinclude a wide range of other sensors to measure speed, pedal cadence,flywheel rotational speed, etc. The stationary bike may also includesensors to measure rider heart-rate, respiration, hydration, or anyother physical characteristic. Such sensors may communicate with storageand processing systems on the bike, nearby, or at a remote location,using wired or wireless connections.

Hardware and software within the sensors or in a separate package may beprovided to calculate and store a wide range of performance information.Relevant performance metrics that may be measured or calculated includedistance, speed, resistance, power, total work, pedal cadence, heartrate, respiration, hydration, calorie burn, and/or any customperformance scores that may be developed. Where appropriate, suchperformance metrics can be calculated as current/instantaneous values,maximum, minimum, average, or total over time, or using any otherstatistical analysis. Trends can also be determined, stored, anddisplayed to the user, the instructor, and/or other users. A userinterface may provide for the user to control the language, units, andother characteristics for the various information displayed.

Display and User Interface

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-12, in various exemplary embodiments thestationary bike 102 may be equipped with one or more large displayscreens 104, cameras, microphones, and speakers or other audio outputs.

The display screen(s) 104 may be mounted directly to the stationary bike102 or otherwise placed within the viewing area of the user. In variousexemplary embodiments, at least one display screen is integrated into orattached to the stationary bike, and is positioned in front of the ridergenerally centered on the handlebars 110 of the stationary bike asillustrated in the figures. Various mechanisms can be used to allow theuser to customize the position of the display screen(s).

In an exemplary embodiment, a display screen 104 may be attached to thestationary bike 102 via a curved structure extending up and forward fromthe front stem of the frame 106. The curved structure may include a slotor aperture through it and extending along a portion of the length ofthe curved structure. A mounting post or similar structure on thedisplay screen may attach to the curved structure, such as by a pin thatpasses through the mounting post or structure and the curved structure.In an exemplary embodiment, the pin may have a mechanism such as threadsthat allow it to be tightened to hold and lock the mounting post orstructure at a particular location and position.

Display screen 104 may be driven by a user input device such as atouchscreen, mouse, or other device. In various exemplary embodiments atouchscreen display is mounted on the stationary bike generally centeredbetween the handlebars and located just below the handlebars. Thedisplay screen may be any size, but optimally is large enough andoriented to allow the display of a range of information including one ormore video streams, a range of performance metrics for the user andothers, and a range of different controls.

In various exemplary embodiments the user can use a touchscreen or otherinterface to selectively present a range of different information on thescreen including live and/or archived video, performance data, and otheruser and system information. The user interface can provide a wide rangeof control and informational windows that can be accessed and removedindividually and/or as a group by a click, touch, or gesture. In variousexemplary embodiments, such windows may provide information about theuser's own performance and/or the performance of other participants inthe same class both past and present.

The user interface can be used to access member information, login andlogout of the system, access live content such as live exercise classesand archived content (referred to in the Figures as “Rides on Demand”).User information may be displayed in a variety of formats and mayinclude historical and current performance and account information,social networking links and information, achievements, etc. The userinterface can also be used to access the system to update profile ormember information, manage account settings such as information sharing,and control device settings.

Referring to FIGS. 5-12, a user interface 200 may be presented on thedisplay screen 104 to allow the user to manage their experience,including selecting information to be displayed and arranging how suchinformation is displayed on their system. The user interface may presentmultiple types of information overlaid such that different types ofinformation can be selected or deselected easily by the user. Forexample, performance information may be displayed over video contentusing translucent or partially transparent elements so the video behindthe information elements can be seen together with the informationitself.

The user interface 200 may present a variety of screens to the user,which the user can move among quickly using the provided user inputdevice, including by touching if a touchscreen is used. In variousexemplary embodiments, the user interface may provide a home screen thatprovides basic information about the system and available options.Referring to FIG. 5, such a home screen may provide direct links toinformation such as scheduled classes 202, archived classes 204, aleaderboard 206, instructors 208, and/or profile and account information210. The screen may also provide direct links to content such as a linkto join a particular class 212. The user can navigate among thedifferent screens in the user interface by selecting such links usingthe applicable input device such as by touching the touchscreen at theindicated location, or by swiping to bring on a new screen. The userinterface may also provide other information relevant to the user suchas social network information, and navigation buttons that allow theuser to move quickly among the different screens in the user interface.

In various exemplary embodiments, the user can select among both liveand archived content. For example, if the user selects scheduled classes202, they may be presented with a screen showing the schedule ofupcoming classes. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary schedule of upcoming classespresented on the screen through the user interface 200, with classesshown like a traditional calendar. Drop-down or other display featuresallow users to find classes by ride type 214, instructor 216, or by anyother appropriate category. The user interface 200 allows users toselect future classes or to start a class that is underway or about tobegin. The class schedule may be presented in any suitable format,including calendar, list, or any other appropriate layout.

In various exemplary embodiments, if the user selects archived classes204, they may be presented with a screen showing available archivedclasses sorted by any appropriate category. FIG. 7 shows an exemplarydisplay of archived classes. Thumbnails or icons 218 representingarchived classes may be displayed in any suitable format, and mayinclude information on how many times the user has ridden that class inthe past or other performance or class-related information. A class maybe accessed by selecting a particular thumbnail or icon.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, when a class is being playing on the displayscreen 104 through the user interface 200, in various exemplaryembodiments the primary video feed may be shown as the background videofull-screen or in a sub-window on the screen. Information elements maybe provided on different parts of the display screen to indicate anyperformance metrics, including time ridden, elapsed time, time left,distance, speed, resistance, power, total work, pedal cadence, heartrate, respiration, hydration, calorie burn, and/or any customperformance scores that may be developed. The displayed information mayalso include the trend or relationship between different performancemetrics. For example, the display can indicate a particular metric in acolor that indicates current performance compared to average performancefor a class or over time, such as red to indicate that currentperformance is below average or green to indicate above averageperformance. Trends or relative performance can also be shown usingcolor and graphics, such as a red down arrow to show that currentperformance is below average.

FIGS. 8-10 show a primary window 220 showing the live or archived classthat the user selected. In various exemplary embodiments, performancemetric windows 222, 224, 226, 228, and 230 may show specific performancemetrics for the user's current ride, past rides, or other performanceinformation. Such performance metric windows may be presented anywhereon the display screen, and may be user selectable such that they can bedisplayed or removed by a screen touch or gesture. As shown in FIG. 8,window 222 displays distance and speed. Window 224 displays currentpedal cadence, along with the user's average and maximum cadence and theclass average, and an indicator arrow 232 showing whether the user'scadence is increasing or decreasing. Window 226 shows power output inwatts, together with average output, maximum output, class average, andtotal output, along with a similar indicator arrow. Window 228 showsresistance as both a number and graphically, and window 230 showscalories burned and heart rate.

The user interface may allow the user to toggle between display ofmaximum, average, and total results for different performance metrics.The user interface may also allow the user to hide or displayinformation elements, including performance metrics, video streams, userinformation, etc. all at once or individually. Performance informationcan also be displayed in various display bars that can be hidden ordisplayed as a group or individually. The user interface may provide forcomplete controls for audio volume, inputs, and outputs as well asdisplay output characteristics.

A leaderboard 234 may also be displayed to allow the user to see theirperformance in comparison to others taking the same class. In variousexemplary embodiments, a leaderboard may be configured to display therelative performance of all riders, or one or more subgroups of riders.For example, the user may be able to select a leaderboard that shows theperformance of riders in a particular age group, male riders, femaleriders, male riders in a particular age group, riders in a particulargeographic area, etc. Users may be provided with the ability to deselectthe leaderboard entirely and remove it from the screen. In variousexemplary embodiments, the system may incorporate various socialnetworking aspects such as allowing the user to follow other riders, orto create groups or circles of riders. User lists and information may beaccessed, sorted, filtered, and used in a wide range of different ways.For example, other users can be sorted, grouped and/or classified basedon any characteristic including personal information such as age,gender, weight, or based on performance such as current power output,speed, or a custom score.

The leaderboard 234 may be fully interactive, allowing the user toscroll up and down through the rider rankings, and to select a rider toaccess their detailed performance data, create a connection such aschoosing to follow that rider, or establish direct communication such asthrough an audio and/or video connection. The leaderboard may alsodisplay the user's personal best performance in the same or a comparableclass, to allow the user to compare their current performance to theirprevious personal best. The leaderboard may also highlight certainriders, such as those that the user follows, or provide other visualcues to indicate a connection or provide other information about aparticular entry on the leaderboard.

In various exemplary embodiments, the leaderboard will also allow theuser to view their position and performance information at all timeswhile scrolling through the leaderboard. For example, as shown in FIG.10 if the user scrolls up toward the top of the leaderboard such as bydragging their fingers upward on the touchscreen, when the user's windowreaches the bottom of the leaderboard, it will lock in position and therest of the leaderboard will scroll underneath it. Similarly, if theuser scrolls down toward the bottom of the leaderboard, when the user'swindow reaches the top of the leaderboard, it will lock in position andthe rest of the leaderboard will continue to scroll underneath it.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system calculates and displays oneor more custom scores to describe one or more aspects of the users'performance. One example of such a custom score would be a decimalnumber calculated for a particular class or user session. Such a scorecould also be calculated using performance data from some or all classesor sessions over a particular period of time. In an exemplaryembodiment, the custom score takes into account the amount of timeridden, total work during that time period, and number of classes in agiven time period.

In various exemplary embodiments, performance information about otherusers may be presented on the leaderboard 234 or in any other format,including formats that can be sorted by relevant performance parameters.Users may elect whether or not to make their performance available toall users, select users, and/or instructors, or to maintain it asprivate so that no one else can view it.

In various exemplary embodiments the user interface may also present oneor more video streams from a range of different sources. For example,one video stream may be the live or archived class content shown in theprimary window, while one or more additional video streams may bedisplayed in other windows on the screen display 104. The various videostreams may include live or recorded streaming instructor video or anyother video content, including one or more live video chat streams.

The user interface may also provide additional windows that can be usedto display a range of content including additional performance data,information about the class, instructor, other riders, etc., orsecondary video streams. Such additional windows can allow the user tosee a range of information regarding other current or past participantsto compare performance, and open or close voice or video chat streams orother communication channels. In various exemplary embodiments the usercan simultaneously access other content including movies, televisionchannels, online channels, etc. Referring to FIGS. 8 through 10,secondary window 240, 242, 244 may display a range of information andcontent. In FIG. 8, secondary window 240 displays the name of the user,the name of the current class and basic class information. In FIG. 9,secondary window 242 displays the name of the user and the amount oftime remaining in the current class. In FIG. 10, secondary window 244displays a video chat session, while the time remaining is displayed ina second secondary window 246.

Stationary Bike Local System

In various exemplary embodiments, the local system 100 comprises thestationary bike 102 and a range of associated sensing, data storage,processing, and communications components and devices either onboard thestationary bike itself or located near the stationary bike. This localsystem may communicate with one or more remote servers through wired orwireless connections using any suitable network or protocol.

In various exemplary embodiments, the stationary bike 102 may beequipped with various sensors to measure and/or store data relating touser performance metrics such as speed, resistance, power, cadence,heart rate, hydration level, etc. The stationary bike may also beequipped with or connected to various data inputs such as touchscreens,video cameras, and/or microphones. These sensors and other inputs cancommunicate with local and/or remote processing and storage devices viaany suitable communications protocol and network, using any suitableconnection including wired or wireless connections. In various exemplaryembodiments, local communication may be managed using a variety oftechniques. For example, local communication may be managed using wiredtransport with a serial protocol to communicate between sensors and theconsole. Local communication may also be managed using a wirelesscommunication protocol such as the ANT or ANT+ protocol. ANT is a 2.4GHz practical wireless networking protocol and embedded system solutionspecifically designed for wireless sensor networks (WSN) that requireultra low power. Advantages include extremely compact architecture,network flexibility and scalability, ease of use and low system cost.Various combinations of wired and wireless local communication may alsobe used.

Access to any appropriate communications network such as the internetmay be used to provide information to and receive information from otherstationary bikes or other resources such as a backend system orplatform. In various exemplary embodiments, the local system 100 canaccess and display information relating to other users either directlythrough a distributed platform or indirectly through a central platformregardless of their location. Such other users may be present at thesame location or a nearby location, or they may be at a remote location.

In various exemplary embodiments, the local system 100 may include anintegrated onboard computer system comprising a display screen 104, oneor more processors, data storage, and communications components. Theprocessing, data storage, and communications components may be locatedwithin housing 132 to form a single integrated onboard computer anddisplay screen, or they may be separately housed locally on or near thestationary bike. The local system may include one or more video cameras,microphones, and/or audio outputs such as speakers or audio connectors.

In various exemplary embodiments, the local system 100 receives avariety of data inputs from sensors on the stationary bike 102 or therider, and processes and stores that data. This data can be displayed tothe user as discussed above, stored locally, and/or shared via anysuitable network with other local systems and/or with a central platformvia any appropriate network.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the user interface 200 may be used toaccess local system 100 data as well as data maintained remotely. Invarious exemplary embodiments, the user interface may present one ormore windows that may display to the user information about theircurrent or past performances 248 using a range of metrics, theirachievements, 250, their position on a leaderboard as compared to a peergroup 252, their planned activities 254, their social network, etc. Theuser interface may be implemented through a local or remote system. Invarious exemplary embodiments, the user interface may be run through alocal program or application using the local operating system such as anAndroid or iOS application, or via a browser based system. Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, such information may also be accessed remotely via anysuitable network such as the internet. In various exemplary embodiments,users may be able to access a website 500 from any digital device thatcan provide access to a complete range of user information. Users may beable to review historical information, communicate with other riders,schedule classes, access instructor information, etc. through such awebsite.

Content Creation and Distribution

Content for delivery to users including live and archived exerciseclasses may be created and stored in various local or remote locationsand shared across the networked exercise system. This overview of such anetworked exercise system is exemplary only and it will be readilyunderstood that the present invention can be implemented through avariety of different system architectures using centralized ordistributed content creation and distribution techniques.

In various exemplary embodiments, the networked exercise system ismanaged through one or more networked backend servers and includesvarious databases for storage of user information, system information,performance information, archived content, etc. Users' local systems 100are in communication with the networked backend servers via anyappropriate network, including without limitation the internet. As anexample of an alternative distribution approach, in various exemplaryembodiments the backend servers could be eliminated and data could becommunicated throughout the system in a distributed or peer-to-peermanner rather than via a central server network. In such a system,performance data may be broken up into small packets or “pieces” anddistributed among user devices such that complete data sets are quicklydistributed to all devices for display as required.

Content for distribution through the network can be created in a varietyof different ways. Content recording locations may include professionalcontent recording studios or amateur and home-based locations. Invarious exemplary embodiments, recording studios may include space forlive, instructor-led, in-studio cycling classes with live studioparticipation or may be dedicated studios with no live, in-studioparticipation. Recording equipment including microphones and one or morecameras can be used to capture the instructor and/or participants duringthe class. Multiple cameras can provide different views and 3D camerascan be used to create 3D content. In various exemplary embodiments,content may be also be generated locally by users. For example,stationary bikes 102 may be equipped with recording equipment includingmicrophones and cameras. Users may generate live or recorded classesthat can be transmitted, stored in the system, and distributedthroughout the network.

Referring to FIG. 15, class content may be generated using one or morevideo cameras 500, an instructor microphone 502, and a music player 504as inputs to an audio mixer 506. The audio mixer outputs content to ananalog to digital converter 508, which provides converted data to aproduction switcher 510. The production switcher sends the productionvideo to a video encoder 512, which stores the encoded video to a localstorage device 514, and sends it to a video transcoder 516. The videotranscoder outputs the transcoded data to a video packetizer 518, whichthen sends the packetized data stream out through the contentdistribution network 520 to remote system users 522. In variousexemplary embodiments, instructors and/or users may be provided withaccess to a content creation platform that they can use to help themcreate content. Such a platform may provide tools for selecting andediting music, managing volume controls, pushing out chat or othercommunications to users.

As described above, through the user interface on their stationary bike102, users may access lists, calendars, and schedules of live andrecorded cycling classes available for delivery through the displayscreen 104. In various exemplary embodiments, once the user selects aclass, the local system accesses and displays a primary data stream forthe class. This primary data stream may include video, music, voice,text, or any other data, and may represent a live or previously recordedcycling class. The local system may be equipped for hardware videoaccelerated encoding/decoding to manage high definition video quality atup to 1080 pixels based on existing technology. The local system mayautomatically adjust bitrate/quality of the data stream for the class inorder to bring rider the highest quality video according to user'sbandwidth/hardware limitations.

In various exemplary embodiments, the networked exercise systems andmethods may include multi-directional communication and data transfercapabilities that allow video, audio, voice, and data sharing among allusers and/or instructors. This allows users to access and displaymulti-directional video and audio streams from the instructor and/orother users regardless of location, and to establish directcommunications with other users to have private or conferenced videoand/or audio communications during live or recorded classes. Such datastreams can be established through the local system 100 for presentationvia the display screen 104 the primary window or in a secondary windowsuch as that shown in FIG. 10 at secondary window 244. In variousexemplary embodiments, users can manage multiple data streams to selectand control inputs and outputs. The local system may allow the user tocontrol the volume of primary audio stream for the class as well asother audio channels for different users or even unrelated audio streamssuch as telephone calls or their own music selections. For example, thiswould allow a user to turn down the instructor volume to facilitate aconversation with other users.

For live classes, in various exemplary embodiments the instructor mayhave the ability to communicate with the entire class simultaneously orto contact individual users, and solicit feedback from all usersregardless of location in real-time. For example, instructors could askusers verbally, or text a pop-up message to users, seeking feedback ondifficulty level, music choice, terrain, etc. Users could then respondthrough their onboard system by selecting an appropriate response, orproviding verbal feedback. This allows instructors to use crowdsourcingto tailor a class to the needs of the participants, and to improve theirclasses by soliciting feedback or voting on particular class features orelements.

In various exemplary embodiments, instructors may also be able to setperformance targets, and the system can measure and display to the userand the instructor their performance relative to the target. Forexample, the instructor may set target metrics e.g. target power andcadence, then display this next to users' readings with a color codingto indicate whether or not the user is meeting this target. The systemmay allow the instructor to remotely adjust bike settings for individualusers.

In various exemplary embodiments, users can control access to their owninformation, including sensor data, performance metrics, and personalinformation. Such data can be held at the local system, transmitted forstorage and management by a remote system and shared with other users,or stored remotely but not shared with other users. Users may also electto disclose their presence on the system to other users, or toparticipate in a class without making their presence known to otherusers.

In various exemplary embodiments, users can access a list of all orselected current and/or past class participants. Such lists may includeperformance information for such users, such as total power, speed,cadence, resistance, or a custom score that provides information aboutrelative user performance. Such lists may also include controls to allowthe user to open up live streams to the user such as live video chatstreams.

System Features and User Resources

In various exemplary embodiments, the networked exercise system andmethods may allow users to create accounts and save and manage theirperformance data. As discussed above, the system may allow users tobrowse schedules for upcoming live classes, signup for future livestreaming classes, and setup reminders. Users may also be able to inviteothers to participate in a live class, and setup text, email, voice, orother notifications and calendar entries. Users may be able to accesssystem, account, performance, and all other data via web-based orapplication based interfaces for desktop and/or mobile devices, inaddition to the user interface for the local system 100 associated withtheir stationary bike 102.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system can provide forsimultaneous participation by multiple users in a recorded class,synchronized by the system and allowing access to all of the samecommunication and data sharing features that are available for a liveclass. With such a feature, the riders simultaneously participating inthe same archived class can compete against each other, as well asagainst past performances or “ghost” riders for the same class.

Referring to FIGS. 16-17, the system may be configured to feedsynchronized live and/or archived video content and live and/or archivedsensor data to users over the network. In various exemplary embodiments,the networked exercise system may be configured with a plurality of userbikes 400 in communication with a video chat platform 402, a videocontent distribution network 404 that receives audio video content fromone or more content sources 406. The user bikes 400 may also be incommunication with various other networks and servers. For example, theuser bikes 400 may exchange sensor and performance data and/or signalingwith various databases 408, including historical or “ghost bike” data. Acontrol station may provide signals via the network to control thecollection, storage, and management of data across the system.

One challenge for the use of comparative data from live and/orhistorical sources is synchronization, since some users may start ridingprior to the start of the actual class, while others may join after theclass has started. In order to provide accurate data regarding classperformance for the leaderboard, including archived performance data,each class may have a specific “go” or start signal that serves as thestarting time point for the data comparison. Archived performance datamay be calibrated to the same “go” signal as live participant data,allowing for comparative data to be presented through a leaderboard orother display through the end of the class. A “stop” signal at the endof the class marks the end time point for the performance comparison forboth live and archived performance data. If a rider joins the classafter the “go” signal, their data can be synched correctly starting atthe time they join the ride.

FIG. 17 shows various events relative to time, which is increasing fromleft to right on the scale at the bottom. The timeline for the classitself, whether live or archived, is shown at the top, with timelinesfor four different riders below it. The video being delivered for a liveor archived class may begin before the actual class starts at the videostart point 420. The GO signal point 422 indicates the start of theclass or the class's comparison period, the STOP signal point 424indicates the end of the class or the end of the class's comparisonperiod, and the end video point 426 indicates the end of the videostream. For Riders 1, 2, and 4, who all start riding before the GOsignal point, the GO signal serves as their starting time point forclass performance metrics. For Rider 3, the point in time when theyactually start will serve as their starting time point for classperformance metrics. For Riders 1, 2, and 3 who continued past the STOPsignal point, their end point for class performance metrics will be theSTOP signal point, while the end point for Rider 4 will be the time whenthey actually stopped riding.

Using such a system, live and past performance (ghost bike) data for theuser or other participants can be provided during a class in a range ofnumerical and graphical formats for comparison and competition. Live andpast performance data or target performance data for the user can alsobe displayed simultaneously to allow users to compare their performanceto a benchmark in real time during or after a class.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system may also allow users toestablish handicapping systems to equalize the competition amongdifferent users or user groups allowing for broad based competitions.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system may use information provided byusers to target advertising to users both during rides and during anyother activities across any platforms. Advertising can be targeted basedon personal data, performance characteristics, music choices, or anyother data gathered by the system. For example, users that providepositive feedback about a particular music choice may be targeted forfuture music releases by the same or similar artists.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system may include a uniqueidentifier on each bike to allow the system or user to track metrics onbike. This information could be used to user identification, or formaintenance, location, etc. In various exemplary embodiments, the systemmay also be configured to provide for closed classes. This would allowfor a private instructor to work with an individual or small group, orfor a group of users to ride together with or without an instructor.

In various exemplary embodiments, users can log in and/or access thesystem and account information via any appropriate communicationtechnology including without limitation NFC, Bluetooth, WAN, etc. Userscan also be provided with a cardkey, FOB, or other device or thestationary bike can provided with facial recognition or voicerecognition technology that automatically logs the user in and accessestheir account information. Users can login from their home stationarybike or from any other bike that can access the system. Thus, whiletraveling a user can still access their complete account history, allcontent, and all features from any networked stationary bike such as ata hotel, a gym, or a cycling studio in a different location.

In various exemplary embodiments, a mobile application may allow userson non-networked stationary bikes to access the system via a mobiledigital device such as a tablet computer or mobile phone and accesscontent, live streams, and other system features. The mobile devicecould access the system via any appropriate network using a dedicatedapplication or browser.

In various exemplary embodiments, one or more secondary display screensmay be used by the system to display class content. Using a device suchas CHROMECAST or a similar integrated device to enable it to displaycontent provided by the system through the user interface, a secondarydisplay screen may be used to display class content or other contentprovided by the system. The user interface could automatically detectthe availability of such an enabled device and allow the user to selectthe display screen for particular content.

Gamification

The interactive features of various aspects of the invention provide fora wide range of different ways to gamify the user experience. Varioustypes of rewards and honors can be created for different achievements tocreate incentives for improving performance or reaching other goals.

In various exemplary embodiments, the instructor or users can createmini-competitions for participation by all users or just a selectedsubset of users such as a group of friends. Competitions such assprints, hill climbs, maximum power output, etc. can be preset orcreated in real-time through the user interface. Winners can be rewardedwith prizes such as badges, trophies, or biking specific honors such asa green or yellow jersey. Competitions can be created within a class orsession, or across multiple classes or sessions like multi-stage bicycleraces. A wide range of direct competitions can be created between andamong users, with the different performance characteristics of differentbikes calibrated and normalized to account for differences in bikesbased on different riders. In various exemplary embodiments, the systemprovides locations or technologies to validate stationary bikes toassure that the bikes in a particular competition are properlycalibrated and normalized to establish a level playing field.

Other games can be created to encourage exploration of different typesof classes based on user characteristics, such as awarding badges orother honors for completion of a variety of different types of classesor classes led by different instructors.

In various exemplary embodiments the instructors, including bothprofessional and amateur instructors, may share in the revenuesgenerated by or attributed to their classes based on number ofparticipants or any other metric.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing cycling classes to remoteusers comprising: providing information about available cycling classesthat can be accessed via a digital communication network by a user at aremote location for display at the remote location; receiving from theuser a selection of one of the available cycling classes for display atthe remote location; sending digital video and audio content comprisingthe selected cycling class from a server to a computer associated with astationary bike at the remote location for display to the user on adisplay screen associated with the stationary bike.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the digital and audio content sent to the computerassociated with the stationary bike is streamed for display to the userin substantially in real-time.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thedigital and audio content sent to the computer associated with thestationary bike is archived content provided from a database.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising receiving from the computerassociated with the stationary bike at the remote location performancedata for the user in substantially real-time.
 5. The method of claim 4,further comprising distributing at least some of the performance data toother users accessing the same digital video and audio contentcomprising the selected cycling class.
 6. The method of claim 4, furthercomprising distributing performance data received from other usersaccessing the same digital video and audio content comprising theselected cycling class to the computer associated with the stationarybike at the remote location.
 7. The method of claim 6, furthercomprising displaying the performance data received from other userstogether with performance data from the user at the remote location onthe display screen associated with the stationary bike.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising displaying the performance data receivedfrom other users together with performance data from the user at theremote location on the display screen associated with the stationarybike in the form of a leaderboard.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein theperformance data displayed on the leaderboard updates on a regular timeinterval.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying thedigital video and audio content comprising the selected cycling class ona display screen associated with the stationary bike.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the digital video and audio content comprising theselected cycling class is displayed via a user interface.
 12. The methodof claim 11, further comprising displaying the remote user's performancedata in secondary windows via the user interface.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the performance data includes the remote user's pedalcadence.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the performance dataincludes the remote user's power output.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein the performance data includes the remote user's heartrate. 16.The method of claim 1, further comprising sending video chat data from aserver to the computer associated with the stationary bike at the remotelocation for display to the user on the display screen associated withthe stationary bike.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprisingreceiving video chat data from the computer associated with thestationary bike at the remote location.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising sending the video chat data from the computerassociated with the stationary bike at the remote location to anotheruser.